CMS to host webinars on DMEPOS Competitive Bidding

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will hold three webinars to explain the Durable Medical Equipment Competitive Bidding Program, which began in nine areas on Jan. 1, 2011.

The Round 1 Rebid contracts will expire Dec. 31 and Round 1 Recompete contracts will go into effect Jan. 1.There also will be some changes to the specific DMEPOS items, CMS said.

Original Medicare beneficiaries who obtain competitively bid items in that CBA will need to use a Medicare contract supplier for that round for Medicare to help pay unless an exception applies. Prescribing physicians, social workers, discharge planners and others working with Medicare beneficiaries in Round 1 competitive areas are encouraged to understand the program.

Sessions will be held from 11 a.m. to noon EST on Monday, Dec. 9; from 1 p.m. to 4 pm EST on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 12. Participation is limited to 1,000 registrants, and people are asked to register for only one session. Registration is at http://dmeposcb2013.eventbrite.com/